Recap: Bradley vs. Illinois State

Peoria, IL (SportsNetwork.com) - Walt Lemon, Jr. finished with a game-high 20 points to lead the Bradley Braves over the Illinois State Redbirds, 64-45, in a Missouri Valley Conference tilt at Carver Arena.

For the Braves (9-12, 4-4 MVC), Tyshon Pickett added 12 points, Ka'Darryl Bell scored 11 points and Auston Barnes posted his third double-double of the season with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

Paris Lee and Daishon Knight both scored eight points to lead the Redbirds (11-10, 4-5).

Both teams struggled to make shots in the first half. Bradley made just 30.4 percent of its field goal tries, while Illinois State was little better at 32.3 percent. The Braves did have a 9-0 advantage at the free-throw line in the opening period, which allowed them to take a 25-22 lead at intermission.

In the second half, Bradley found its range, connecting on 58.3 percent of its field goal attempts, including 5-of-8 from 3-point distance. Illinois State continued to struggle, shooting 33.3 percent and just 2-of-12 from beyond the arc. Leading by one, 36-35, with over nine minutes to play, the Braves used a 12-0 run to put the game away and cruise to victory.

The Braves made the most of the Redbirds' miscues, forcing 19 turnovers and converting them into 23 points.